Available Rental Spaces

Click on the map to view each space

About Our Building

Founded in 1804, the New-York Historical Society is one of America’s pre-eminent cultural institutions and the oldest museum in New York City. Located across from Central Park in the heart of the vibrant Upper West Side, the New-York Historical Society is a beautiful landmark building that has much to offer clients interested in hosting all types of events. With an unparalleled collection of artwork and artifacts showcasing America’s history through the unique lens of New York and deeply engaging exhibitions that reveal the impact of history on our lives today, the New-York Historical Society is a striking and sophisticated setting for entertaining. We are excited to welcome guests both local to New York and around the globe!

Exclusive Tours

As an educational institution, we encourage you to incorporate our exhibitions into your events! Our on-site curators and educators are ready to answer your guests’ questions. Additionally, we can incorporate formal guided-tours of our exhibitions into any occasion. Below are our two gallery spaces, which are perfect for any event.

Smith Gallery South

Adjacent to the Robert H. and Clarice Smith New York Gallery of American History on the first floor, Smith Gallery South showcases an ever-changing collection of dynamic exhibitions. During your event, the gallery can remain open, offering guests exclusive viewing of the exhibition. It can accommodate up to 200 guests at one time or more if spread throughout over the course of the event.

Luman Reed Galleries

Adjacent to Dexter Hall on the second floor, this gallery is ideal for intimate, private viewings in conjunction with an event either in Dexter Hall or the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library. It can accommodate up to 100 guests at one time or a larger number of guests on a flow throughout over the course of an event.

Joyce B. Cowin Women's History Gallery

Located on the newly reopened fourth floor, this gallery features temporary history and art exhibitions directly tied our Center for Women’s History and helps demonstrate how women across the spectrum of race, class and culture exercise power and effect change. The stimulating exhibitions in this space are ideal for guests to view on their own or guided tours during events of any kind of the fourth floor. It can accommodate 75- 100 guests, dependent on the exhibition layout.

Preferred Vendors

The New-York Historical Society’s exclusive catering partner is the Constellation Culinary Group. Click here to learn more. We also have a list of talented vendors, each familiar with the New-York Historical Society and is thrilled to help make your event a success! Please contact the Special Events office at 212-485-9201 or specialevents@nyhistory.org for a list of vendor contacts.